Can a public authority use an advocate during the proceedings of the RTI Act?

Can a public authority use an advocate during the proceedings of the RTI Act?

As per the CIC (Appeal Procedure) Rules, 2005, in deciding the appeal the Commission may hear the PIO, APIO, FAA or such person against whom complaint is made. While the appellant may seek the assistance of any person including someone who may not be a legal practitioner, the PIO has not been given the similar option.

If the question whether an organisation is a public authority or not has not been settled, it may use the services of a lawyer.

Recognitions

Certificate of Honour from the Public Concern for Governance Trust in 2013 for contribution to the RTI movement,
Power of One Award from The Bombay Catholic Sabha for outstanding contribution to Mumbai city.